Advanced Placement

Contact the AP Department

AP classes are an important part of every student's high school career. Wheaton High School proudly offers nineteen AP courses in a variety of different areas of interest. We currently have over 800 students accepting the challenge and look forward to welcoming many more in the future.

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program

The Advanced Placement Program AP courses follow a curriculum mandated by the College Board. Exams and papers during the year are prepared and graded by WHS teachers. Registration for AP exams takes place in late winter (February-March). AP exams prepared by the College Board are given in May, and are graded by the College Board on a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the highest. Scores are reported in mid-July.

The AP program has several AP awards to recognize exceptional performance by AP students. These include:

AP Scholar: granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams on full-year courses.

AP Scholar with Honor: granted to students who receive an average grade of 3.25 or higher on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on 4 or more of these exams on full-year courses.

AP Scholar with Distinction: granted to students who receive an average grade of 3.5 or higher on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on 5 or more of these exams on full-year courses.

Students in any grade may take AP courses (as long as any prerequisites are completed) and AP exams.

Advanced Placement Philosophy

At Wheaton High School, we offer a variety of challenging courses. Our AP program is designed for the most adventurous of students. It is an opportunity for students to explore a college-level course in a high school setting.

The AP program gives students exposure to college-level material through involvement in an AP course, and gives them an opportunity to show what they have learned through their performance on an AP exam.

The AP program at Wheaton is designed to challenge students. AP students participate in a more challenging curriculum and experience a greater level of academic discipline. AP courses are designed for higher-level academic instruction and are set up as introductions to and preparations for a college education.